Written by Lauren Lund, APRN-CNP

Hormone replacement therapy with pellets is a safe, effective, and convenient way to balance your hormones and improve your overall well-being. But to get the most from your treatment, proper hormone pellet aftercare is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after your procedure, how to care for the insertion site, and tips to support your body as it adjusts to optimized hormone levels.

What Are Hormone Pellets?

Hormone pellets are tiny, bioidentical hormone implants—about the size of a grain of rice—that are placed just beneath the skin, typically in the upper gluteal area. They deliver a steady, customized dose of hormones such as testosterone or estrogen over several months, eliminating the need for daily pills or creams.

Why Hormone Pellet Aftercare Matters

Proper aftercare helps:

• Prevent infection or irritation at the insertion site
• Ensure optimal hormone absorption
• Promote healing and comfort
• Maximize your therapy results

Let’s break down everything you need to know post-procedure.

Hormone Pellet Aftercare Instructions

Immediately After Your Procedure

• Keep the area dry for the first 24 hours.
• Remove the bandage after 1 day. Allow the steri-strips to fall off on their own (usually within a week), or follow specific directions from your provider.
• Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the insertion site.
• Avoid hot tubs, swimming, or full water immersion for 5-7 days after the procedure, or as directed by your provider.
• Continue to keep the area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.

Activity Restrictions (First 5–7 Days)

• Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for 5–7 days. This includes lower-body workouts, squats, or anything that strains the gluteal area.
• Light walking is encouraged, but avoid exercises that involve bending or stretching near the site.
• Sleep on your opposite side to reduce pressure and irritation.

Monitor for Signs of Complications

Call your provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Discharge from the insertion site
• Excessive redness or swelling
• Chills and/or fever greater than 101.5°F
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Excessive tenderness
• Signs of infection
• Pellets coming out of the skin

When to Expect Results

Most patients notice improvements in symptoms like mood, energy, and libido within 7–10 days. Full effects typically develop over 2–4 weeks and can last 3–6 months, depending on your treatment plan.

Follow Ups

Your provider may recommend or require labs at specific intervals, such as 6 weeks after your pellet insertion and 2 weeks before your next pellet insertion. Ask your provider about your specific lab requirements.

Ready for Your Next Step?

Consistency is key to maintaining hormone balance. Your provider will help you determine the ideal timeline for follow-up and future pellet insertions.

This article is for educational purposes only. This article is not a substitute for a substitute for medical or health advice from a certified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual and personalized situation. Information provided by this article DOES NOT create a practitioner/patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this article or website. Always speak with your physician or healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website.